With the 2023 Rugby World Cup in full swing, it apears that the Springboks have one of the most unlikely fans from the Mamelodi Sundowns camp. Here's a look!
The story
There has been recent controversy around South African super fans Mama Joy Chauke and Botha Msila, as there were intense debates on social media over their trip to France for the Rugby World Cup.
Gqeberha DA councillor Renaldo Gouws put out a tweet on X (Twitter) stating that the pair are paid by the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture to rally behind the nation teams at major tournaments like the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup as well.
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Following the commotion on social media, the department has since responded in a statement on Wednesday, saying: "The department is noting with concern the negative reactions and comments by some South Africans concerning the presence of Mama Joy Chauke and Botha Msila at the 2023 Rugby World Cup to support the Springboks and raise the South African flag.
"It's concerning that when the world recognises their presence, thus celebrating the contribution of South African supporters at the World Cup, two of South Africa's superfans are receiving criticism and insuts from within the country."
However, with the matter now seemingly put to rest, local fans may now be suprised to find out that Downs' South American star Junior Mendieta is a die-hard Boks supporter despite the player having only arrived in the country in 2020.
A glance at the Argentine star's Instagram shows that he has attended some of the Boks games while at Stellenbosch FC and has previously been spotted with the national team lock Eben Etzebeth.
This seems to suggest that the 30-year-old is perhaps not only rooting for Argentina at the tournament but also the Boks, who are considered one of the favourites to win the competition as they are the defending champions.
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